Issue 2

Issue 2 – Queensland

Editorial

Welcome to the second issue of Backyard, an online photography magazine.

Backyard showcases the work of photographers who love to explore and capture their neighbourhoods. After a fantastic response to our inaugural London issue we’re now visiting Queensland, Australia.

This issue has been curated by Backyard co-founder Mark Burton and Queensland photographer Man Cheung, who is currently based in London.

We’ve deliberately stayed away from the typical stereotype of kangaroos, sun, surf and beaches. Queensland might be a relatively new state in a new country, but it’s a much more complex place than the mirage created by the tourist industry and beer commercials.

In fact, the theme that has emerged from this issue is one of history. In part, this is because the majority of the people portrayed are from an older generation. However, after looking at the work in this issue we hope you will have seen ‘history’ portrayed in different ways. There is the rich sense of history migrants bring from their homeland; there are the personal and familial histories of Queenslanders; there is an international perspective with a look back to the Second World War and there is of course the ancient (and contemporary) history of the Aboriginal peoples who were in Queensland long before Europeans arrived.

We see Queensland as a place where the histories of many different people combine and converge. This collection of ‘Backyard’ photographers have all used different approaches to create their images – from an academic rigour to a more relaxed method of point-and-shoot. However, what we hope all these projects have in common is that they are interesting and insightful stories.

Man Cheung and Mark Burton

March 31st 2012

Isaac Brown

Isaac Brown’s intimate portraits of a bereaving family are inter-twined with hauntingly beautiful images of the surrounding landscape. His work is testament to the trusting relationship he built with his in-laws. They have invited him to document their loss while also becoming part of the healing process.

Swamp Country – My Country

Michael Aird

At first glance Michael Aird’s work looks like blokes on a fishing trip. But look again and deeper meanings are revealed. Michael reclaims images of his aboriginal ancestors that were originally taken by European photographers. And the places he goes to fish and camp with his friends have been home to his forefathers for generations.

Teachers

Man Cheung

Man Cheung’s straightforward, but acutely observed portraits of his old primary school teachers take us on a journey of personal discovery. In the process of creating these photographs he builds a new, adult relationship with the people who once taught him as a child.

State Library of Queensland

Did you know there was a Battle of Brisbane between Australian and US serviceman in WW2? With images from the State Library of Queensland and excerpts from a book on the subject by Peter Thompson and Robert Macklin we get an insight into what life was like in Brisbane in the early 1940’s.

Of Another Time

Ana Paula Estrada

Ana Paula Estrada’s collection of relaxed portraits document the experiences of the over 70’s in Queensland. Ana photographs her subjects in locations that reveal additional layers about their personality and life experience. These photographs are accompanied by a moving series of interviews in which personal histories become part of Queensland history.

My Home My History

Suzanne Goopy, David Lloyd and Angela Blakely

Anthropologist Suzanne Goopy teamed up with photographers Angela Blakely and David Lloyd to document the experiences of Italian migrants in Australia. This inter-disciplinary project combines different skills, professional practices and insights.